Farnsworth added to bullpen; Clemens headed to Class AAA OKC

The Astros added a veteran arm to their ever-changing bullpen, agreeing to terms with Kyle Farnsworth. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

The Astros signed a reliever to a major league deal for the second time this month Saturday, when manager Bo Porter’s former minor league roommate, righthander Kyle Farnsworth, joined the Astros before an afternoon game. Paul Clemens was optioned to Class AAA Oklahoma City to make room.

Farnsworth, 38, can make up to $1.2 million with performance bonuses, per FOX Sports. Just two weeks ago, the Astros signed lefty Tony Sipp to a deal that could earn him about $700,000 in bonuses.

Both signings speak to two things: one, a reinforcement that the Astros meant it when they said they needed to be better this year. Two, that their initial plan to rebuild the bullpen failed in many ways.

For all the talk of bullpen improvement this winter and spring, it proved to be hot air. The Astros’ 5.56 ERA entering Saturday was the highest in the majors. Nineteen of 30 teams had ERAs below 4.

Still throwing 95 mph at an advanced age, Farnsworth throws a slider, sinker and changeup to go along with the four-seam fastball. He averages 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings lifetime, with 3.7 walks, although his strikeouts are down a bit this year. He has 57 career saves, but Porter said Chad Qualls remains the pitcher the Astros will turn to with a lead in the ninth inning.

“Just coming in, pitch good innings, try to help the guys out down there,” Farnsworth. “Opportunity to play the game.”

Farnsworth was a 47th round draft pick 20 years ago, which tells you how long he’s been around.

“He’s a veteran guy that has obviously had a long tenure,” said. “I was joking with him, I said, ‘There are two things that are evident here. That, one, you’ve had a really good career, and two, I must be getting old, because I’m starting to coach players that I played with.’ It’s so crazy Farnsworth and I, we were roommates in A-ball (in the Cubs system).”

Porter was a part of the recruitment process, which was quick because other teams were interested when Farnsworth became available this week.

A 6-4 fitness fanatic, Farnsworth has played the role of intimidator in his career. When he was with the Cubs, he had a famous fight with Reds pitcher Paul Wilson. In 19 appearances for the New York Mets this season, Fansworth was doing well: a 3.18 ERA, 10 strikeouts, six walks and three saves.

But Farnsworth on Wednesday was outrighted by the Mets, giving him the choice to elect free agency. Why would the Mets let him go?

To save money.

Farnsworth had agreed to an “advance consent” agreement with the Mets. That allowed the Mets to get rid of him within 45 days of being added to the roster and avoid paying his full salary for the season, which would have been $1 million.

Farnsworth was not appreciative.

“Hopefully find a team to play against this team,” Farnsworth said on his way out. “I’m very bitter right now.”

Asked how he felt about the Mets on Saturday after arriving at Minute Maid Park, Farnsworth said only, “That’s in the past.”

Farnsworth could pass the 1,000-innings-pitched mark this season, arriving with 977 thrown. The Astros are his ninth major league team. He spent the longest with the Cubs, six years and 343 of 877 lifetime appearances.

The two batters Farnsworth has faced most in his career: Jeff Bagwell (30 plate appearances) and Craig Biggio (29).